Beard, Thomasfl. 1743-44

One of Wesley's earliest lay preachers. John Bennet's journal indicates that he was preaching in Derbyshire in March 1743. In 1744 he was 'pressed in Yorkshire for preaching, and so sent for a soldier.' While in the army he visited Scotland, taking every opportunity to exhort. As he remarked: 'Many thought it strange to see a man in a red coat preach.' Soon after regaining his freedom he fell ill at Newcastle and died two or three days later.